Why That Workout May Be Adding Pounds: Insights from Dr. Maya Rozman

Could it be that working out increases your weight rather than decreasing it? Nutritionist Dr. Maya Rozman answers yes to this question. "Want to burn more calories even when you're sitting still? It's possible, if you add just a bit of muscle mass," said Dr. Rozman.

On her radio show on 103FM, Dr. Rozman explained that "exercise can indeed lead to weight gain instead of loss. Don't forget: even a small increase in muscle mass improves calorie burning and accelerates weight loss. Here's why: unlike walking, strength training contributes to building muscles in various parts of the body. Adding muscle can subtly increase body weight."

She said, "Muscles are the primary energy burners in our body. The more you have, the more calories you burn throughout the day, even during sedentary hours. According to studies conducted over the years, an increase of, say, half a kilogram of muscle can enhance fat burning and speed up weight loss, but this becomes noticeable after two to three months, not immediately. Weight gain stops when the exercise remains at the same intensity and weight."

She added that "it's not always about gaining weight, of course. So, what's the takeaway? If your weight loss stalls in the two weeks you start strength training, it might be due to muscle building. Don't get discouraged by this fact—stick to your regimen accurately. Over time, it's worthwhile. Adding muscle mass helps significantly with daily calorie burning and is beneficial."